The Films I've seen in 2021 From Best to Worst
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- DirectorSidney LumetStarsHenry FondaLee J. CobbMartin BalsamThe jury in a New York City murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict.It couldn't be more simple and yet it's one of the most powerful films ever made that is as relevant now as it's ever been, exceptionally acted by Fonda, Begley, Cobb, Marshall and the rest of the ensemble cast and brilliantly Directed by Lumet...it's my favorite Lumet film and still rank it among my top 10 films of all time, it's just timeless.
10+ - DirectorMerian C. CooperErnest B. SchoedsackStarsFay WrayRobert ArmstrongBruce CabotA film crew goes to a tropical island for a location shoot, where they capture a colossal ape who takes a shine to their blonde starlet, and bring him back to New York City.That it's been 8 years since I last saw Kong is amazing to me because my memory of it is as fresh as if I saw it yesterday, the stop motion animation still astounds, the musical score is one of my favorites and the sound effects just immerse you in this world and for me Kong is the greatest creation in cinema... as I've stated before this is the film that made me love movies and my fondness for it knows no bounds and still one of my all time favorites.
10 - DirectorWilliam WylerStarsMerle OberonLaurence OlivierDavid NivenA servant in the house of Wuthering Heights tells a traveler the unfortunate tale of lovers Cathy and Heathcliff.This is the only film version of the famous novel I've seen and can't imagine it being better...Wyler's direction is flawless as is Toland's cinematography and the 2 stars have rarely been better, although I do think as good as Oberon is she's overshadowed by Olivier who gives one of his all time great performances, to be honest I can't imagine any one else as Heathcliff which may be why I've never been willing to see another version of the story...this is the 3rd or 4th time I've seen "Wuthering Heights" and my opinion's pretty much the same, it's still one of the greatest tragic love stories ever put on screen.
10- - DirectorGeorge StevensStarsAlan LaddJean ArthurVan HeflinA weary gunfighter in 1880s Wyoming begins to envision a quieter life after befriending a homestead family with a young son who idolizes him, but a smoldering range war forces him to act.I think Shane is one of the subtlest and understated of the great westerns, I admire Steven's approach to the material so much that I'm willing to give it a pass on the things that never really worked for me as much as they should have, such as the relationship between Ladd and Arthur...it's a film without big moments and the moments that should be big are toned down from what you'd expect like the final shootout and yet it works extremely well but I still have an issue with the scene towards the end where Shane rides into town and the boy runs after him and is able to pretty much keep up and even though Ladd is fine in the title role he didn't really standout, only Palance who has the showier role made the most of his screen time...it's been over 35 years since I saw Shane and my opinions the same, Stevens made a different kind of western in terms of tone and style and even if it seems kind of bland on the surface there's lots going on underneath which makes this one of the best this genre has to offer.
10- - DirectorNicolas RoegStarsJulie ChristieDonald SutherlandHilary MasonA married couple grieving the recent death of their young daughter are in Venice when they encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom is psychic and brings a warning from beyond.I'm not the biggest Roeg fan but this for me is his masterpiece, it's a beautiful, haunting, impeccably made and acted supernatural horror film that engrosses me every time I see it and it has perhaps the greatest love scene put on film, I think it's a wonderfully edited scene that's very adult but extremely tasteful that cuts between them making love and getting dressed afterwards and the fact that to this day despite the actors denials many feel they actually did it is a testament to how memorable that scene is.
9 - DirectorSidney LumetStarsAl PacinoJohn CazalePenelope AllenThree amateur bank robbers plan to hold up a bank. A nice simple robbery: Walk in, take the money, and run. Unfortunately, the supposedly uncomplicated heist suddenly becomes a bizarre nightmare as everything that could go wrong does.I don't know why but this film never really resonated with me when I saw it back in 1984 but after seeing it again found it to be a terrific film exceptionally directed by Lumet and wonderfully performed by the cast especially Pacino who gives one of his best performances and even today says a lot about celebrity and fame and the film is quite funny...I actually think the adlibbing in which actors flub their lines gives the film a certain authenticity...2nd viewing far superior than first.
9 - DirectorOlivia WildeStarsKaitlyn DeverBeanie FeldsteinJessica WilliamsOn the eve of their high-school graduation, two academic superstars and best friends realize they should have worked less and played more. Determined not to fall short of their peers, the girls try to cram four years of fun into one night.Even though Wilde doesn't like having this film compared to "Superbad" it's the film that came to my mind when watching it and that's not a bad thing as far as I'm concerned, I'd even say I liked this one more mainly because I felt more of an emotional connection to these girls and found an endearing quality to it all that worked even better than "Superbad"...if my memory serves me though "Superbad" was funnier but like that film how much this film is grounded in reality(if that's what you're looking for) is up for debate and I wonder if my enjoyment will be the same 2nd time around.
9 - DirectorJonathan DemmeStarsMichelle PfeifferAlec BaldwinPaul LazarA mobster's wife hates her lifestyle, but gets a chance to change it when her husband is killed - if the Long Island mob and the FBI let her.The lighter breezier tone to this film works extremely well unlike Demme's earlier "Something Wild" where the more violent aspects of the film didn't gel with the lighter moments and the performances from much of the cast are first rate especially Pfeiffer in one of her best roles, Stockwell, Modine and Ruehl and I do think this is a genre that needs a film like this...I'm probably over rating it but everytime I see this film I get a kick out of it, it's great fun.
9 - DirectorBlake EdwardsStarsJulie AndrewsJames GarnerRobert PrestonA struggling female soprano in 1934 Paris finally finds work after posing as a female impersonator, but it complicates her personal life when a visiting Chicago gangster finds himself inexplicably attracted to the seemingly male performer.I'm not sure the film is as laugh out loud funny as it was when I first saw it almost 40 years ago but I still had a blast with this gender bender comedy and it certainly ranks as one of Andrews best performances, although Preston steals the show with that finale which puts this film over the top for me, it's also among Edwards best...2nd viewing almost as good as first.
9 - DirectorDavid SwiftStarsHayley MillsMaureen O'HaraBrian KeithTeenage twin sisters swap places and scheme to reunite their divorced parents.This is one of those films from my childhood that I loved and have been avoiding feeling that I'd find it dated and to schmaltzy but I was pleasantly surprised that it holds up beautifully and is one of Disney's best live action films with a terrific cast that makes this film such a joy to watch... Hayley Mills was one of the best child stars of her time and she shines here in a dual role and I found the film a little more daring and adult for it's time than I would have thought, especially from Disney... this is the Disney I grew up with and love maybe because my emotions were genuine and not manipulated like I find many Disney films today try to do.
9 - DirectorGeorge CukorStarsJudy HollidayWilliam HoldenBroderick CrawfordA tycoon hires a tutor to teach his lover proper etiquette, with unexpected results.I think I gave this film more credit than it deserved when I first saw it because it exceeded my expectations mainly because I thought Holliday's screechy voice would get on my nerves but to my surprise I found her endearing and the best thing about this comedy although Crawford and Holden are fine this film belongs to her and 2nd time around nothings changed except that it's not the minor classic I once thought.
9 - DirectorMichael SarnoskiStarsNicolas CageAlex WolffAdam ArkinA truffle hunter who lives alone in the Oregon wilderness must return to his past in Portland in search of his beloved foraging pig after she is kidnapped.The surprising thing about Pig is that it's not at all what you expect...seeing Nic Cage's disheveled character one was prepared for another whacked out performance and a weird sort of film about a pig, instead you got a low key and restrained Cage giving one of his best performances and a film about love, loss and food that exceeded my expectations in every way, a real sleeper and a nice surprise.
9 - DirectorCosta-GavrasStarsJessica LangeArmin Mueller-StahlFrederic ForrestA lawyer defends her father accused of war crimes, but there is more to the case than she suspects.Even though the film isn't the minor classic I once thought, it's still an emotionally powerful film that manages to overcome it's cliched courtroom theatrics due to 2 terrific performances from Lange and Stahl but there's no denying it's taken a bit of a hit 2nd time around.
9 - DirectorSidney LumetStarsFaye DunawayWilliam HoldenPeter FinchA television network cynically exploits a deranged former anchor's ravings and revelations about the news media for its own profit, but finds that his message may be difficult to control.The film was way ahead of it's time when I first saw it back in the early 80's and still packs a wallop and seems even more prescient today but even than I had issues with the manic nature of the film and with some of the performances where it seems everyone is just shouting at times and the ending never really worked for me even though it should have and seeing it again my opinion is about the same but what works, works extremely well and still makes this one of the best films of it's kind, flaws and all.
9 - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroJerry LewisDiahnne AbbottA passionate yet unsuccessful comedian stalks and kidnaps his idol to take the spotlight for himself.This black comedy works extremely well for the most part until the last act but the performances from Lewis, De Niro and Bernhard are top notch, as is Scorsese's direction, my gripe is De Niro's comedy routine just wasn't that funny which made the ending not as satisfying as it should have been... that Lewis never even got nominated for an Oscar is still perplexing to me, I think he should have won...2nd viewing same as 1st.
9 - DirectorAndrew DavisStarsHarrison FordTommy Lee JonesSela WardDr. Richard Kimble, unjustly accused of murdering his wife, must find the real killer while being the target of a nationwide manhunt led by a seasoned U.S. Marshal.3rd or 4th time seeing this great chase film and my opinion hasn't changed...Ford and Jones are terrific and help make this such an enjoyable ride.
9 - DirectorAlex GarlandStarsAlicia VikanderDomhnall GleesonOscar IsaacA young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced humanoid A.I.Another film I've wanted to see again and I found it even more enjoyable 2nd time around mainly because the performances from Isaac and Vikander really stood out for me this time and I still think it's one of the more intelligent, thought provoking films I've seen in a while, the film may not cover new ground but it does it better than most...my only qualm with the film is the ending while acceptable didn't quite work as well as I would have liked.
8 - DirectorWes AndersonStarsGeorge ClooneyMeryl StreepBill MurrayAn urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers' retaliation.To my surprise this quirky fun stop motion animation film is one of my favorite Wes Anderson films...I found it to be an absolute delight and aimed more for adults than children.
8 - DirectorRidley ScottStarsMatt DamonAdam DriverJodie ComerThe Knight Jean de Carrouges must settle the dispute over his wife Marguerite by challenging his former friend to a duel to the death.Fascinating story based on facts that plays like Kurosawa's "Rashoman" and when it's over you may have your doubts about what the truth is but it doesn't really matter because this is more a film about the hypocrisy of the times, it's a film about class, chivalry, and honor with a twist where a women's honor was insignificant and only had meaning if a man would defend her honor even though he's really only defending his own and while the first 2 acts are based on recorded facts because they deal with 2 prominent male figures of the time it's the 3rd act that makes this film work that gives the woman's perspective of her ordeal and even though it's made up it's absolutely plausible and makes this such a thought provoking film and fits the factual part of the story perfectly... the performances from Damon, Driver and Comer are first rate, only Affleck seemed a bit out of place for me although I will admit it took a while for me to warm up to Damon and Ridley Scott's direction is solid as well.
8 - DirectorDennis HopperStarsPeter FondaDennis HopperJack NicholsonTwo bikers head from L.A. to New Orleans through the open country and desert lands, and along the way they meet a man who bridges a counter-culture gap of which they had been unaware.It's been about 40 years since I first saw "Easy Rider" and I remember feeling a little underwhelmed by the film, more in terms of it not living up to the hype, it starts extremely well and was quite effective as a road movie and film on the counter culture of the time but starts to lose it's way around the last 1/3 of the film and the finale just never had the power it should have at least for me and 2nd time around I feel exactly the same, it's very good but not the great or classic film many see it as.
8 - DirectorRobert AbelPierre AdidgeStarsElvis PresleyBill BaizeEstell BrownConcert footage and offstage documentary of singer Elvis Presley.Elvis in his element and I found him quite engaging and surprisingly accessible to his fans who comes across at times as a very humble and down to earth guy and even if most of the songs aren't among his classics their still quite good because that voice of his can do justice to
any type of song even covers of Bridge Over Troubled Waters and others...personally I think this is better than any of his movies.
8 - DirectorElia KazanStarsVivien LeighMarlon BrandoKim HunterDisturbed Blanche DuBois moves in with her sister in New Orleans and is tormented by her brutish brother-in-law while her reality crumbles around her.It's been over 35 years since I first saw Streetcar but the thing I always remembered about the film was the performances by Brando and Leigh and after seeing it again they are the best thing about the film but I wasn't as wowed by their performances this time and I think it's because the film though well made is on the stagey side and became a distraction for me at times and because of that I just didn't get pulled into the film like I did the first time...it's still worth watching for 2 great performances but this is another of my favorite films that's taken a hit 2nd time around.
8 - DirectorRidley ScottStarsMatt DamonJessica ChastainKristen WiigAn astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive and can survive until a potential rescue.The film does become a little hokey towards the end but for the most part this is a smart, engaging and well made movie with solid performances from the cast, especially Damon who's the glue that holds this film together, it might be his best performance...2nd viewing same as 1st.
8 - DirectorNorman JewisonStarsCherNicolas CageOlympia DukakisLoretta Castorini, a bookkeeper from Brooklyn, New York, finds herself in a difficult situation when she falls for the brother of the man she has agreed to marry.Even though I remember enjoying this film immensely back in 87/88 when I saw it, it just never stayed in my consciousness the way some films do and over time the only thing I remember is the line "snap out of it" and Cher's wonderful performance and after seeing it again the performances are the best part of the film because they elevate material that at times seems a little on the sitcom side and the film as a whole isn't as romantic or funny as I once thought which made this a bit of a disappointment 2nd time around...it's still quite enjoyable but it's not the great film I once thought it was.
8 - DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppWinona RyderDianne WiestThe solitary life of an artificial man - who was incompletely constructed and has scissors for hands - is upended when he is taken in by a suburban family.I've often wondered why I never rated this film higher because my memory of it has always been that it's a wonderful fantasy blending Pinocchio and Frankenstein as only Tim Burton can do but after seeing it again I realized there's another side to this film that doesn't work and that's the darker tone that permeates most of the 2nd half and those are the parts of the film I've completely forgotten about but it really does get in the way of this being a modern classic...overall it's an engaging and at times exceptionally well made and acted film but the shift in tone does stop it from true greatness...2nd viewing about the same as 1st.
8 - DirectorLawrence KasdanStarsWilliam HurtKathleen TurnerGeena DavisAn emotionally distant writer of travel guides must carry on with his life after his son is killed and his marriage crumbles.This is another film that 2nd time around just wasn't as great as I once thought mainly because some of the dramatic moments didn't gel with it's quirkiness as well as I once thought and even though Hurt's performance matches his characters emotionally damaged character I thought it was a little on the bland side and I have to admit the ending which worked so well for me the first time wasn't quite as emotionally satisfying this time around but I still think Geena Davis is the best thing in the film and I still found it well worth watching.
8 - DirectorMitzi PeironeStarsMadeline BrewerKurt AffairImogen WaterhouseTwo wanted women decide to rob their wealthy psychotic friend who lives in the fantasy world they created as children; to take the money they have to take part in a deadly perverse game of make believe.Trippy, weird, non-sensical and a whole lot of fun at least for me but there's no denying this isn't for everybody and it's another one of those films that I'm not sure I'll get as much enjoyment out of 2nd time around.
8 - DirectorJacques TourneurStarsSimone SimonTom ConwayKent SmithAn American man marries a Serbian immigrant who fears that she will turn into the cat person of her homeland's fables if they are intimate together.It hasn't been that long ago since I saw Cat People but I'm always drawn to it and almost all the Val Lewton horror films, for me their among the most watchable in the genre and I'm always impressed with how impeccably made they are... Simone was perfectly cast and has an exotic look to her which suited the character and I love the scene where she plays with the bird just like a cat would do( I've seen a cat play with a mouse and the mouse literally dies from fright)... a part of me thinks I should rate it higher but the moments of suspense that worked so well when I was younger aren't quite there anymore although the pool scene is still quite impressive.
8 - DirectorDestin Daniel CrettonStarsSimu LiuAwkwafinaTony Leung Chiu-waiShang-Chi, the master of weaponry-based Kung Fu, is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organization.One of the more engaging and entertaining comic book movies I've seen in a while that like "Black Panther" benefits greatly from embracing it's cultural trappings but in the end just like "Black Panther" it still can't escape those comic book trappings which stop those films from being something truly special, the last act was what one expects from this genre which for me was the worst part of the film but there's much to like here especially the likable cast, Tony Leung in particular was terrific and it was nice to see Michelle Yeoh who I've been a fan of ever since "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
8 - DirectorHoward HawksStarsMiriam HopkinsEdward G. RobinsonJoel McCreaMary Rutledge arrives from the East, finds her fiance dead, and goes to work at the roulette wheel of Louis Charnalis' Bella Donna, a rowdy gambling house in 1850s San Francisco.Another film I hadn't seen in over 30 years that I didn't remember much of other than liking it a lot and after seeing it again I still like it though not as much and it may be that I embraced all aspects of this at times surprisingly dark romantic drama but this time around the romantic triangle part of the film which comes in the 2nd half of the film didn't really work for me but the cast is quite good as is the dialogue and I loved all those fog shots and it's certainly well made under Hawks direction.
8 - DirectorLynne RamsayStarsJoaquin PhoenixJudith RobertsEkaterina SamsonovA traumatized veteran unafraid of violence tracks down missing girls for a living. When a job spins out of control, Joe's nightmares overtake him as a conspiracy is uncovered leading to what could be his death trip or his awakening.I'm having 2nd thoughts about how good the film is because there's no denying you'll think of other films while watching this one but I found it quite compelling mainly because I was fascinated by Phoenix's committed performance and Ramsay's approach to the material and as I write that, there's another part of my brain saying that Ramsay's directional choices are hit and miss and Phoenix's performance is interesting rather than good...another film that needs a 2nd viewing.
8 - DirectorGuy RitchieStarsJason StathamHolt McCallanyJosh HartnettA mysteriously stoic character is hired as a security guard by a cash truck company responsible for transporting a lot of money around Los Angeles each week.Ritchie playing it straight without the quirky characters or humor one expects but this revenge thriller is quite good and it's not just one of his best but Statham's as well in a role tailor made for him...I do think there's a John Wick vibe to the film at least with Statham's character and I found the last act not as satisfying as I would of liked which stops me from giving it an even better rating.
8 - DirectorRob ReinerStarsJames CaanKathy BatesRichard FarnsworthAfter a famous author is rescued from a car crash by a fan of his novels, he comes to realize that the care he is receiving is only the beginning of a nightmare of captivity and abuse.I don't read much if at all anymore but when I was in my teens and tweens King was the author I read more than any other and this was one of the last books of his I read and thought it was his best because I saw it as a dark comedy, which elevated it from most of his traditional horror books and this is one of the better movie adaptations of King's work with a solid performance from Caan and a terrific one from Bates but I do think the movie's missing the dark humor the book had... 2nd viewing same as 1st.
8 - DirectorAlex ProyasStarsRufus SewellKiefer SutherlandJennifer ConnellyA man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from.2nd viewing pretty much the same as 1st...it's an intriguing and engaging sci-fi/noir that works extremely well until the somewhat conventional ending... seeing it again made me see the similarities to "The Matrix" which came out a year later.
8 - DirectorTim BurtonStarsAlec BaldwinGeena DavisMichael KeatonThe spirits of a deceased couple are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home, and hire a malicious spirit to drive them out.Keaton's schtick wasn't as much fun 2nd time around which stops the film from being as great as I once thought but I still had a good time and found the cast quite engaging and even though it's gone down a notch still think this is one of Burtion's better films.
8 - DirectorJames L. BrooksStarsWilliam HurtAlbert BrooksHolly HunterTake two rival television reporters: one handsome, one talented, both male. Add one producer, female. Mix well, and watch the sparks fly.Here we go again but this is another film that's not as great as I once thought, the performances from Hunter, Hurt and especially Brooks are fine and is still spot on when it comes to the news media and what is news but the film at times felt almost sitcomy and the romantic triangle stuff wasn't as engaging as I once thought and the ending seems wrong to me...I still enjoyed it but not as much as I once did.
8 - DirectorChris PeckoverStarsOlivia DeJongeLevi MillerEd OxenbouldOn a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it's far from a normal home invasion.The film works because it's no holds barred and dares to go farther than you'd think it would in terms of tone, violence and humor but it's also the kind of film that won't sit well with many...2nd viewing same as first.
8 - DirectorAndrew BergmanStarsJames CaanNicolas CageSarah Jessica ParkerJack loses $65,000 in poker in Las Vegas, where he's marrying Betsy. The wedding will have to wait as the poker winner wants the weekend with Betsy to cancel the debt. She accepts. Whom will she marry?I've always found this to be a fun and enjoyable romp with Cage playing it mostly straight which benefits the film immensely and the rest of the cast fill their roles well, although Caan's character going a little dark towards the end didn't really gel but the flying Elvis's more than compensated for that...3rd time seeing the film and my opinion hasn't changed.
8 - DirectorHoward ZieffStarsJames CaanPeter BoyleSally KellermanA car thief gets out on parole from a penitentiary and intends to go straight. Nonetheless, he ends up in a wild goose chase for stolen cash, together with a small-time bandleader and his wife, and a friendly free-spirited woman.I had a good time with this fun quirky crime comedy and Caan, Boyle and Kellerman all shine.
8 - DirectorMonte HellmanStarsMillie PerkinsJack NicholsonWill HutchinsA mysterious woman persuades two cowboys to help her in a revenge scheme.Another one of these films I saw ages ago and didn't remember much about other than liking it a lot and it having an abrupt but surprising ending and after seeing it again the ending is a bit disappointing even though it stays with you but for the most part this revenge western is quite good with Oates in particular standing out among the cast... Hellman made another western with Oates and Nicholson called Ride in the Whirlwind which like this film I need to see again but I seem to remember it being as compelling as this one.
8 - DirectorNeil JordanStarsBrad PittTom CruiseAntonio BanderasA vampire tells his epic life story: love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger.When I first saw Interview the book was still pretty fresh in my memory and I thought they did a good job and was impressed with some of the performances, Cruise and Dunst in particular and seeing it again still feel that way but I admit I don't remember much of the book anymore and maybe because of that I enjoyed the film even more this time around...I have mixed feelings about Pitt who at times seems somewhat bland in the role and Slater was the wrong choice as the writer but I liked that they didn't play it safe with the material and enjoyed this film a lot.
8 - DirectorDon SiegelStarsClint EastwoodPatrick McGoohanRoberts BlossomAlcatraz is the most secure prison of its time. It is believed that no one can ever escape from it, until three daring men make a possibly successful attempt at escaping from one of the most infamous prisons in the world.Well made and low key prison film that plays it straight for the most part with a role tailor made for Eastwood but after watching films like " A Man Escaped" and "Le Trou" the film felt a little more Hollywood and that sense of realism wasn't there like I once thought...it's still one of the better prison films I've seen but has gone down a notch from my previous viewings.
8 - DirectorAbel FerraraStarsZoë LundBogeyAlbert SinkysA timid and mute seamstress goes insane after being attacked and raped twice in one day, in which she takes to the streets of New York City after dark and randomly shoots men with a .45 caliber pistol.As uneven as this film is it's still one of the more effective rape/revenge exploitation films that were made back than that uses it's NY surroundings perfectly and has a very good performance from Lund and is one of Ferrara's better films and that ending is terrific... it's been over 35 years since I first saw it and my 2nd viewings about same.
8 - DirectorBob RafelsonStarsJack NicholsonBruce DernEllen BurstynA daydreamer convinces his radio personality brother to help fund one of his get-rich-quick schemes.I'm not sure how I feel about the ending which took me by surprise, although in retrospect it shouldn't have but the acting is so strong especially from Dern and Nicholson that I still found it to be quite satisfying, it also has that 70's look and vibe which works to it's benefit.
8 - DirectorJulia HartStarsRachel BrosnahanMarsha Stephanie BlakeArinzé KeneIn this 1970s set crime drama, a woman is forced to go on the run after her husband betrays his partners, sending her and her baby on a dangerous journey.If your looking for a more traditional crime film, this isn't it and I enjoyed the film for taking an original approach to a genre that frankly needs it...some people have had issues with the crying baby but it didn't bother me at all and felt that there was a correlation to it's crying and the mother's anxiety over the situation her husband put her in.
8 - DirectorJay RoachStarsMike MyersElizabeth HurleyMichael YorkA world-class playboy and part-time secret agent from the 1960s emerges after thirty years in a cryogenic state to battle with his nemesis Dr. Evil.This is one of those films that's not as funny as it thinks it is, the jokes are hit and miss and Myers has a tendency to do the Jerry Lewis thing of stretching a scene or joke longer than needed and yet it's still fun, because the other ingredients work so well, from the look of the film to the 60's vibe, costumes and music, it spoofs the Bond films better than most and Austin Powers is surprisingly likable even at his most obnoxious...2nd viewing not quite as good as 1st but I still think this might be his best film, although I'll have to give "Wayne's World" another viewing one day.
8 - DirectorNicholas MeyerStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyWith the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon.As I re-watch the Star Trek films this was probably my favorite of the original films and I still think it holds up fairly well with a solid if familiar story that does not go where no man has gone before but I found myself quite entertained and bringing Montalban back as Khan was a stroke of genius...I've seen this film more than any other in the series and it does seem to go down a bit with each viewing and I do think seeing the Khan back story from the TV series makes this a more enjoyable experience.
8 - DirectorFede AlvarezStarsStephen LangJane LevyDylan MinnetteHoping to walk away with a massive fortune, a trio of thieves break into the house of a blind man who isn't as helpless as he seems.2nd viewing pretty much the same as first, it starts off extremely well but begins to falter and lose credibility towards the end but Lang is terrific and makes this a better film than it should be.
8 - DirectorJoe CarnahanStarsGerard ButlerFrank GrilloAlexis LouderOn the run from a lethal assassin, a wily con artist devises a scheme to hide out inside a small-town police station-but when the hitman turns up at the precinct, an unsuspecting rookie cop finds herself caught in the crosshairs.A perfect example of a film that offers nothing new but works due to it's game cast who are a lot of fun to watch especially Louder who outshines the 2 stars.
8 - DirectorBob ClarkStarsChristopher PlummerJames MasonDavid HemmingsSherlock Holmes investigates the murders commited by Jack the Ripper and discovers a conspiracy to protect the killer.I wish the film was a little more polished because it feels very uneven at times but the story is quite good and makes this one of the better Sherlock Holmes films I've seen and Plummer as a more compassionate Holmes does a solid job.
8 - DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsWesley SnipesKris KristoffersonRon PerlmanBlade forms an uneasy alliance with the vampire council in order to combat the Reapers, who are feeding on vampires.Even if there's a certain corniness to some action scenes I still felt this one held up better than the first mainly because I found the story more satisfying and darker than the first and Snipes sells it and is able to make scenes work even if their on the silly side, it doesn't hurt to have Perlman as a heavy and I did like the final scene.
8 - DirectorLorenz SuterStarsNicolas BatthyanyJeanne DevosMarina GuerriniDriven by strange desire a loner is fatally attracted to two sisters. A Neo Noir.I found this low key noir surprisingly engaging that like Bunuel and Lynch makes you question what's real and what's fantasy...I will say the main actor's performance was a little off-putting at times even though it does suit the character he's portraying.
8 - DirectorAlan J. PakulaStarsWarren BeattyPaula PrentissWilliam DanielsAn ambitious reporter gets in way-over-his-head trouble while investigating a senator's assassination which leads to a vast conspiracy involving a multinational corporation behind every event in the world's headlines.When I first saw this film back in 84-85 I thought it was a terrific taut political thriller, this time around I'm torn because all the ingredients are there but it's just not put together well and I found myself questioning a lot of what was happening, maybe I just went with it the first time around but this time around I couldn't understand how this organization seemed to be one step ahead of what Beatty was doing...there are effective moments and some solid performances which still made it a worth while experience but this is another film that just wasn't as great as I once thought.
8 - DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsBilly CampbellJennifer ConnellyAlan ArkinA young pilot stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high-flying masked hero.Old fashioned adventure film that I found very agreeable and refreshing when compared to what we get today with all the D.C. and Marvel films out there... Campbell the star may be the least appealing of the cast but Arkin, Dalton and Connelly made up for it...2nd viewing not quite as good as 1st.
8 - DirectorPhil MorrisonStarsEmbeth DavidtzAlessandro NivolaDavid KuhnA dealer in "outsider" art travels from Chicago to North Carolina to meet her new in-laws, challenging the equilibrium of this middle class Southern home.I'm torn by this film, I like the fact that these characters aren't caricatures and the performances from the ensemble cast are quite good, especially Amy Adams who is the heart and soul of the film and they all have flaws but in the end I'm not sure it amounts to much and I never really understood why George seemed to be sight unseen most of the time until the last act...in the end I'm giving it a high rating for those performances and I liked that just like real life nothing is really resolved but I do wonder if I'll feel that way the next time I see it.
8 - DirectorNicholas MeyerStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyOn the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace.This was the one film with the original cast that I thought was right up there with Khan and even though like Khan it's gone down a notch my opinion's the same...it plays like a political thriller that's quite engaging and the cast in their final film together are at their best.
8 - DirectorAlexandre AjaStarsElisabeth ShueJerry O'ConnellRichard DreyfussAfter a sudden underwater tremor sets free scores of the prehistoric man-eating fish, an unlikely group of strangers must band together to stop themselves from becoming fish food for the area's new razor-toothed residents.The Director goes all out and makes what I think is one of the better exploitation films in recent memory and is a cut above the original because of it...I just thought it was a lot of fun but works better as camp because I didn't find it scary at all maybe because the CGI isn't all that impressive...even though 2nd viewing wasn't quite as good as 1st, it's still a fun ride.
8 - DirectorGeorge MillerStarsMel GibsonJoanne SamuelHugh Keays-ByrneIn a self-destructing world, a vengeful Australian policeman sets out to stop a violent motorcycle gang.I remember seeing this film after Road Warrior back in the early 80's and it was dubbed with I believe American accents because the original Australian accents were to hard to understand I guess and I remember being underwhelmed by it especially after seeing Road Warrior but after seeing it again with the original voices I found it to be a much better experience...I still think it's the weakest in the series although I haven't seen Thunderdome since it came out but the ingredients are there for what was to follow in the series even if it's less polished than the follow-ups and it's an effective origin story of Max.
8 - DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsTimothée ChalametRebecca FergusonZendayaA noble family becomes embroiled in a war for control over the galaxy's most valuable asset while its heir becomes troubled by visions of a dark future.Back in the late 70's and 80's when I would read a lot, mostly sci-fi/fantasy and horror this was one of the books that stood out for me and was up there with " Lord of the Rings" as not only one of the most memorable books I ever read but one of my favorites but over time my memory of the book has faded and I only remember parts of the story now but this film if nothing else brought the story back to life for me, so I have a feeling this version is probably truer to Herbert's book than Lynch's which I don't remember much of either other than thinking it was a bit of a mess but still finding it mildly enjoyable., that being said I don't really like that this version ends unfinished and one will have to wait hopefully for the next installment which could be years away and as a whole the film still felt like it was cramming to much story into it's 2 1/2 hour film...a part of me thinks I enjoyed the film more for bringing back memories of a book I truly loved because I do think it's uneven but I'll have to give it another view one day and see.
8 - DirectorRichard DonnerStarsGregory PeckLee RemickHarvey StephensMysterious deaths surround an American ambassador. Could the child that he is raising actually be the Antichrist? The Devil's own son?Even though Peck was to old for the role he does a good job and the child star is surprisingly creepy with just staring at the camera and even though this is the weaker of the devil worshipping or possession films of the time like "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Exorcist" it's still quite effective...3rd or 4th time I've seen this supernatural thriller and my opinion's pretty much the same.
8 - DirectorDon HallCarlos López EstradaPaul BriggsStarsKelly Marie TranAwkwafinaGemma ChanIn a realm known as Kumandra, a re-imagined Earth inhabited by an ancient civilization, a warrior named Raya is determined to find the last dragon.The animation is terrific and the story is what one comes to expect from Disney which means it's fairly predictable and it pushes those emotional buttons very well especially the ending and even though it leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth I can't deny it worked but I wonder if I'll be so kind 2nd time around.
8 - DirectorWes AndersonStarsOwen WilsonAdrien BrodyJason SchwartzmanA year after their father's funeral, three brothers travel across India by train in an attempt to bond with each other.It's what one expects from an Anderson film and even though I don't think the film amounts to much I enjoyed the journey and found this road movie quite engaging flaws and all.
8 - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsKaren BlackBruce DernBarbara HarrisA phony psychic/con artist and her taxi driver/actor boyfriend encounter a pair of serial kidnappers while trailing a missing heir in California.Personally I think the ending feels a bit rushed and isn't all that satisfying but I did enjoy what is essentially a Hitchcock comedy, one of the few he's made I just don't think it's anything special... the scene where the car has no brakes comes across as screwball comedy except it's not funny at all and is one of the low points of the Masters career... This was Hitchcock's last film and it's certainly not among his greats but I had a good time with it...2nd viewing a little better than 1st.
7 - DirectorRiley StearnsStarsLeland OrserMary Elizabeth WinsteadChris EllisA cult deprogrammer is hired to help a couple whose daughter is under the influence of a mysterious cult.A cult deprogrammer thinks he's in control in this quirky and fun psychological thriller of sorts but he meets his match in this engaging if not all-together satisfying film... it definitely deserves another viewing and the stars are terrific
7 - DirectorJon AmielStarsSigourney WeaverHolly HunterDermot MulroneyAn agoraphobic psychologist and a female detective must work together to take down a serial killer who copies serial killers from the past.At times this thriller is quite good and on par with the best this genre has to offer but it's very uneven especially in the 2nd half with scenes that felt gimmicky and put there just to stretch the story out but the performances from Weaver and Hunter are quite good and make it a worthwhile watch...2nd viewing not as good as first.
7 - DirectorStephen NorringtonStarsWesley SnipesStephen DorffKris KristoffersonA half-vampire, half-mortal man becomes a protector of the mortal race, while slaying evil vampires.Not nearly as enjoyable as I once thought but after seeing it again I think what makes it work is Snipes who's perfect in the role and I have to admit I like that it came out before the Marvel Universe machine took over and was it's own thing, I do wish it was a little darker and I found some of the stylistic touches and CGI not all that effective.
7 - DirectorVal GuestStarsJack WarnerRonald LewisYolande DonlanA woman is found murdered in a house along the coast from Brighton. Local detectives Fellows and Wilks lead an investigation methodically following up leads and clues mostly in Brighton and Hove but also further afield.I really can't find fault with this police procedural other than I didn't find it as engrossing as it should of been.
7 - DirectorBrandon CronenbergStarsAndrea RiseboroughChristopher AbbottJennifer Jason LeighAn agent works for a secretive organization that uses brain-implant technology to inhabit other people's bodies - ultimately driving them to commit assassinations for high-paying clients.I'm kind of on the fence with this film, I certainly found it intriguing but I'm not sure it really satisfied, the best thing I can say is there's no denying Brandon Cronenberg is a Director worth watching and is following in his dad's footsteps in more ways than one.
7 - DirectorEmerald FennellStarsCarey MulliganBo BurnhamAlison BrieNothing in Cassie's life is what it appears to be - she's wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she's living a secret double life. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs from the past.A terrific performance from the star and a solid beginning to this" Me Too" revenge thriller and than it starts to unravel and ends with a finale that left a bad taste in my mouth and I have to say having most if not all the male characters be assholes is getting old but there are interesting talking points in this film that make it worthwhile and Carey Mulligan as I said is phenomenal.
7 - DirectorZack SnyderStarsHenry CavillBen AffleckGal GadotDetermined to ensure that Superman's ultimate sacrifice wasn't in vain, Bruce Wayne recruits a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.One might argue that this 4 hour extravaganza wasn't necessary but I found the story far more cohesive and satisfying than the theatrical version and I have to admit despite being stretched longer than needed never boring but lets be honest the story lines of these comic book movies are so similar at times that you get a sense of deja vu and of course with this film you can't help but think of Infinity Wars and even though this is a better film than Whedon's version it can't compare to the Avenger's film.
7 - DirectorKen RussellStarsRoger DaltreyAnn-MargretOliver ReedA psychosomatically blind, deaf, and mute boy becomes a master pinball player and, subsequently, the figurehead of a cult.It fails as some sort of religious parable but Russell's over the top rock opera has it's moment's with some of the songs- Elton John's "Pinball Wizard" and Tina Turner's "Acid Queen" being the 2 highlights for me and a strong performance from Ann Margaret plus Russell's penchant for weird visuals at least made the experience worth watching and if the last act worked I would of liked it better...in many ways the films a mess but a fascinating one worth another look...I will say Daltrey as Tommy was on the bland side until he sings.
7 - DirectorMax BarbakowStarsAndy SambergCristin MiliotiJ.K. SimmonsStuck in a time loop, two wedding guests develop a budding romance while living the same day over and over again.This charming romantic time loop comedy turned out to be much better than I thought it would be because of the 2 likable performances from it's stars but even at 90 minutes there were times when it felt stretched.
7 - DirectorMichael WinnerStarsCharles BronsonHope LangeVincent GardeniaA New York City architect becomes a one-man vigilante squad after his wife is murdered by street punks. In self-defense, the vengeful man kills muggers on the mean streets after dark.I always viewed this film as pure exploitation and thought it was slickly made and effective but far from the stars best and my opinion's pretty much the same but after seeing it again after 35 years the film's tone seems to switch at times from seriousness to black comedy and to be honest I don't know if it works but I found it interesting and almost 50 years later there are talking points in this film that are still relevant today...this is probably Bronson's most famous role but it's also the film that sadly typecast Bronson till his death-I for one could of done without all of those schlocky action films of his in the 80's.
7 - DirectorPhil KarlsonStarsJohn PayneColeen GrayPreston FosterAn ex-con trying to go straight is framed for a million dollar armored car robbery and must go to Mexico in order to unmask the real culprits.When watching the opening of this film you can see the influence it had for Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and for the most part this is a well made and effective noir until the last act where the love interest part of the film muddles up what I think could have been a minor classic in the genre.
7 - DirectorCharles WaltersStarsCary GrantSamantha EggarJim HuttonDuring the housing shortage of the Summer Olympic Games in 1964, two men and a woman share a small apartment in Tokyo, and the older man soon starts playing Cupid to the younger pair.Cary Grant's last film is an enjoyable enough light romantic comedy that's a remake of The More the Merrier...the stars are fine but it's Grant's presence that makes this a worthwhile watch... 2nd viewing same as first.
7 - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsPaul Walter HauserSam RockwellBrandon StanleySecurity guard Richard Jewell is an instant hero after foiling a bomb attack at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, but his life becomes a nightmare when the FBI leaks to the media that he is a suspect in the case.The film doesn't really come alive until Jewell becomes the target of the investigation, that's when it becomes a more human story and the solid performances from Hauser and Rockwell really come through and make this a worthwhile experience but that first hour or so is a mixed bag...the way the journalist Scruggs is portrayed is controversial and I think Clint went to far in making her out to be a slut who'll do whatever she has to, to get the story since from what I've read there's no evidence that she did anything like that to get a story but this may be where Clint interjected his own disdain for the media and went to far and made her the real villain instead the FBI...it's worthwhile Clint but far his best and parts of it leave a bad taste in my mouth more so than any other film of his.
7 - DirectorSidney FranklinVictor FlemingGustav MachatýStarsPaul MuniLuise RainerWalter ConnollyAlthough married Chinese farmers Wang and O-Lan initially experience success, their lives are complicated by declining fortunes and lean times, as well as the arrival of the beautiful young Lotus.It's been about 25 years since I last saw this film and back than I thought this was a beautifully filmed and emotionally satisfying experience and considered it among my all time favorites which is saying something considering the performances from the major stars were acceptable at best, as earnest and respectable as these actors are to the material you can't ignore the fact that it's white actors playing Asians but this time around I was underwhelmed where the cinematography is the best thing about the film and the locust attack at the end still holds up but the performances were even less satisfying than I remembered and overall the film while earnest and respectable failed to grab me emotionally like it once did...needless to say this is another one of my favorites that's taken a big hit.
7 - DirectorLawrence HuntingtonStarsEric PortmanDulcie GrayDerek FarrA woman becomes the target of a man who is gradually becoming insane, unable to resist his urge to strangle women to death, but who appears to be purposely leaving pieces of evidence behind.Could have used some Hitchcockian touches but on the whole it's fairly agreeable with a solid performance from Portman and the humor works more than not.
7 - DirectorJohn BadhamStarsFrank LangellaLaurence OlivierDonald PleasenceIn 1913, the charming, seductive and sinister vampire Count Dracula travels to England in search of an immortal bride.I hated this film when I first saw it back in the early 80's feeling that the film was extremely uneven where the film's grimy look worked against it as did the Director's stylistic touches which were more miss than hit and that Olivier was miscast and Langella made a bland Dracula but seeing it again I found Langella far more acceptable and thought Nelligan was quite good and as uneven as the film is there was much to like...I never read the book but was told this is closer to the book than most and is very similar to Coppola's version which is more a love story and when I heard the music in this film it's almost the same.
7 - DirectorByron HaskinStarsBobby DriscollRobert NewtonBasil SydneyThe treasure seeking adventures of young Jim Hawkins and pirate captain Long John Silver.Old school pirate film that I seem to remember enjoying immensely as a kid, although I'm not sure if it was this version or the 1930's version, as it is this version works because of child star Driscoll and Newton who's perfect as Long John Silver but without them this film wouldn't have been all that engaging.
7 - DirectorValdimar JóhannssonStarsNoomi RapaceHilmir Snær GuðnasonBjörn Hlynur HaraldssonA childless couple discovers a mysterious newborn on their farm in Iceland.The fact that the actors play it straight works to it's benefit and it creates a mood I found quite satisfying but this black comedy/horror film which I took this film to be doesn't have enough of either to make it something special...I like different and the believable and strong performances from the cast made me accept the premise which made it worthwhile but I'm sure it'll turn off many.
7 - DirectorByron HaskinStarsLizabeth ScottDon DeForeDan DuryeaThrough a fluke circumstance, a ruthless woman stumbles across a suitcase filled with $60,000, and is determined to hold onto it even if it means murder.Starts off fairly strong but fizzles towards the end, although Scott and Duryea make it worthwhile.
7 - DirectorJames GunnStarsMargot RobbieIdris ElbaJohn CenaSupervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.Apparently I'm not the only one who thought the original film was to tame and should of been a no-holds bar R-rated film and here we have what is basically a remake more than a sequel to the first film and it goes even further than I would of thought and it's better for it until the last act which was just overkill and unnecessary, I also think Harley Quinn is still the only memorable character of the squad.
7 - DirectorDouglas SirkStarsJane WymanRock HudsonAgnes MooreheadAn upper-class widow falls in love with a much younger, down-to-earth nurseryman, much to the disapproval of her children and criticism of her country club peers.There are those who think quite highly of Sirk's soap opera melodrama's but I'm not the biggest fan, he basically brings a Norman Rockwell painting to life and than shows it's ugly side but the film by today's standards is rather tame in showing the dark side of Americana and the soap opera aspects of the film are a detriment for me getting more out the movie than I do, I also found Rock Hudson's melancholy performance hard to take at times.
7 - DirectorKevin SmithStarsBen AffleckJoey Lauren AdamsEthan SupleeHolden and Banky are comic book artists. Everything's going good for them until they meet Alyssa, also a comic book artist. Holden falls for her, but his hopes are crushed when he finds out she's a lesbian.The films frank dialog works to it's benefit and gives this romantic comedy/drama more realism and bite than most of these type of films have but the last act was all wrong and felt gimmicky to me and marred an otherwise satisfying film.
7 - DirectorJohn LandisStarsEddie MurphyPaul BatesGarcelle BeauvaisAn extremely pampered African prince travels to Queens, New York and goes undercover to find a wife that he can respect for her intelligence and strong will.Murphy's quite engaging in this romantic comedy and Hall shines as well but the stories rather generic and the romantic part is the least engaging part of the film...I did enjoy the cameo of Ameche and Bellamy from "Trading Places" and all the schtick in the barbershop-2nd viewing and my opinion's pretty much the same as when I saw it 30 some years ago.
7 - DirectorJay OlivaStarsPeter WellerAriel WinterMichael EmersonThe Batman has returned after a 10-year absence. The Gotham authorities want to arrest him. An old foe wants a reunion. The Feds want the Man of Tomorrow to put a stop to him.I can't say that I've been blown away by the animated films I've seen in the Batman series but they are a good companion piece to the live action films and this follow-up to the first film was a bit more engaging and satisfying than the first.
7 - DirectorBurt ReynoldsStarsBurt ReynoldsRachel WardVittorio GassmanTom Sharky is demoted to vice after a bust goes terribly wrong. He and his team stumble across a mob murder tied to prostitution and government.As uneven as this crime thriller is, it's still one of Reynolds better films that's quite good for the first half or so but when the twist happens the film starts to lose it's way and the ending seemed rushed...Reynolds the star comes off better than Reynolds the Director although there are scenes where his smugness shows and comes close to ruining some scenes and the supporting cast does a good job but for me the performance that works best is Rachel Ward who has that sultry voice that reminds me of Kathleen Turner( I do wonder why she never became a bigger star). My 2nd viewing of the film and my opinion's pretty much the same, that I consider this among Reynolds 10 best films says a lot about the quality of his films.
7 - DirectorJosh RubenStarsSam RichardsonMilana VayntrubGeorge BasilFeature adaptation of the video game where werewolves attack a small town.The film works because of it's humor and fun and quirky characters which was enough for me, the surprise is that it's based on a video game one that I never heard of and is probably the best video game movie I've seen which says a lot about how bad that subgenre is, if you want to call it that.
7 - DirectorElliot SilversteinStarsJane FondaLee MarvinMichael CallanA young schoolteacher turns into an outlaw to avenge her murdered father.This western spoof isn't as much fun as I once thought mainly because other than Marvin no one else really stands out and to be honest I didn't find him as engaging as I did the first time and am somewhat perplexed that he won the oscar...I have fond memories of this film from when I saw it almost 40 years ago but sadly what I once thought was funny back than is at best amusing now but I did still enjoy it even though it's another film that's gone down a notch 2nd time around.
7 - DirectorSean EllisStarsSean BiggerstaffEmilia FoxMichelle RyanAfter a painful breakup, Ben develops insomnia. To kill time, he starts working the late night shift at the local supermarket, where his artistic imagination runs wild.It's whimsy and charm won me over but there's no denying this romantic/comedy doesn't work as well as it should have mainly because I didn't find the lead actor all that appealing.
7 - DirectorRobert WiseStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyWhen an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it.To my surprise I found this to be a more stimulating and engaging film than when I first saw it back in the early 80's and it's certainly great to have everyone back even if most of the regular crew members aren't utilized properly but it still is longer than needed and what's with all those slow pans...2nd viewing better than first.
7 - DirectorCurtis HansonStarsSteve GuttenbergElizabeth McGovernIsabelle HuppertA young executive starts an affair with his boss's wife which then escalates into a nightmare after he lies to the police in order to protect her.The last act disappoints but for the most part I enjoyed this thriller though not as much as when I first saw it... the 3 stars helped a lot even Guttenberg who seemed wrong for the role but managed to hold his own.
7 - DirectorGeorge MillerStarsJack NicholsonCherSusan SarandonThree single women in a picturesque village have their wishes granted, at a cost, when a mysterious and flamboyant man arrives in their lives.The film works extremely well for the first hour or so when it has a lighter almost whimsical feel to it and the cast is perfect especially Nicholson who was born for this role but once the film gets darker and the special effects take over the film loses it's charm...2nd viewing same as first.
7 - DirectorCharles B. PierceStarsBen JohnsonAndrew PrineDawn WellsThe story of a hooded, berserk killer who terrorized the border town of Texarkana, Arkansas in 1946--leaving no fewer than five murder victims in his wake. He was never caught. Based on one of America's most baffling murder cases.It's not a well made film, to be honest it feels at times like one of those re-enactments you'd watch from one of those TV crime shows ,where the actors in them were non-professionals and it showed, with the exception of Johnson but for whatever reason the film still manages to work because it's an intriguing story based on fact of a crime that was never solved which holds your interest even if the film takes liberties with the facts but than again most of these type of films do.
7 - DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsElvis PresleyAnn-MargretCesare DanovaA race-car driver preparing for the Grand Prix wiles his time in Las Vegas working as a waiter to pay for his new engine and soon strikes up a romance with a beautiful young woman.Ignore the flimsy plot and enjoy the music and dancing, perhaps the best of all his films and the undeniable chemistry between Elvis and Ann Margret...never saw this one before and it's one of his best because he has a co-star in Ann Margret who is his equal but it could of been so much better.
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- DirectorLeonard NimoyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyTo save Earth from an alien probe, Admiral James T. Kirk and his fugitive crew go back in time to San Francisco in 1986 to retrieve the only beings who can communicate with it: humpback whales.It might be the silliest film in the series in terms of story but I enjoyed it for it's humor...2nd viewing same as first.
7 - DirectorKurt NeumannStarsDavid HedisonPatricia OwensVincent PriceA scientist has a horrific accident when he tries to use his newly invented teleportation device.The story and acting are fine but the original version just can't hold a candle to Cronenberg's mainly because the effects are so hit n miss in the original which makes some of it less effective and silly.
7 - DirectorDon CoscarelliStarsA. Michael BaldwinBill ThornburyReggie BannisterA teenage boy and his friends face off against a mysterious grave robber, known only as the Tall Man, who employs a lethal arsenal of unearthly weapons.I seem to go back and forth every time I see this film and this time around I enjoyed myself, the weirdness of the film, those steel globes with the blades and Scrimm were the best thing about it but the acting from the rest of the cast is on the bland side although I found it easier to take this time around...I certainly understand it's cult status and I can see how many hold this film in high regard but it's shortcomings do detract from it's effectiveness at least for me.
7 - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodGeorge KennedyVonetta McGeeClassical art professor and collector Dr. Jonathan Hemlock, who doubles as a professional assassin, is coerced out of retirement to avenge the murder of an old friend.As close as Clint's ever come to doing a Bond film and as convoluted as the plot is I found it fairly agreeable especially all the mountain climbing scenes which is beautifully shot and it's a film that dare I say was refreshingly politically incorrect ,personally I think much of it was tongue and cheek but it certainly wouldn't pass mustard today...I've seen this action/thriller a few times and my opinion hasn't really changed it's far from Clint's best but I find the film surprisingly memorable.
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